Shielded connector assembly

ABSTRACT

A connector assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure is advantageously configured to allow a sensor connector to straightforwardly and efficiently join with and detach from a patient cable connector. Further, embodiments of the connector assembly advantageously reduce un-shielded area in an electrical connection between a patient cable and a sensor connector. In addition, embodiments of the connector assembly advantageously increase the shielding of detector signals coming from the patient sensor to the monitor.

RELATED CASES

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/399,762, filed Feb. 17, 2012, entitled, “Shielded ConnectorAssembly,” which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/248,856, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,118,620, filed Oct. 9, 2008, entitled,“Connector Assembly with Reduced Unshielded Area,” which claims prioritybenefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/979,674, filed Oct. 12,2007, entitled, “Connector Assembly,” and from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/032,936, filed Feb. 29, 2008, entitled, “ConnectorAssembly.” The disclosures of each of the foregoing applications arehereby incorporated by reference herein.

The present disclosure is generally related to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/846,260, filed Sep. 20, 2006, to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/858,818, filed Sep. 20, 2007, to U.S. Designpatent application No. 29/296,064, filed Oct. 12, 2007, to U.S. Designpatent application No. 29/296,067, filed Oct. 12, 2007 and to U.S.Design patent application No. 29/304,439, filed Feb. 29, 2008, which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to patient monitoring cableconnector assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Pulse oximetry provides a noninvasive procedure for measuring the oxygenstatus of circulating blood and has gained rapid acceptance in a widevariety of medical applications, including surgical wards, intensivecare and neonatal units, general wards, and home care and physicaltraining. A pulse oximetry system generally includes a physiologicalsensor applied to a patient, a monitor, and a patient cable connectingthe sensor and the monitor. The sensor has light emitters and adetector, which are attached to a tissue site, such as a finger. Thepatient cable transmits emitter drive signals from the monitor to thesensor where the emitters respond to the drive signals to transmit lightinto the tissue site. The detector is responsive to the emitted lightafter attenuation by pulsatile blood flowing in the tissue site. Thedetector outputs a detector signal to the monitor. The monitor processesthe detector signal to provide a numerical readout of physiologicalparameters such as oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and pulse rate. Enhancedoximetry systems can also include a multiple parameter monitor and amultiple wavelength sensor that provide enhanced measurementcapabilities, including, for example, the measurement of a multitude ofblood constituents and related parameters in addition to oxygensaturation and pulse rate, such as, for example, carboxyhemoglobin(HbCO), methemoglobin (HbMet), total Hematocrit (Hct), oxygenconcentrations, glucose concentrations or the like.

High fidelity pulse oximeters capable of reading through motion inducednoise are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,770,028, 6,658,276, 6,157,850,6,002,952 5,769,785, and 5,758,644, which are assigned to MasimoCorporation (“Masimo”) and are incorporated by reference herein.

Pulse oximetry systems are often operated in highly fluid environmentssuch as intensive care units. In such environments it is particularlyadvantageous for medical personnel to be able to connect sensors andpatient cables with a strong connection, thereby possibly reducing anumber of disconnects. For example, existing connector assemblies oftenutilize a hinged-plastic retainer, generally similar to a hood, toreduce accidental disconnects. The retainer often mechanically hingesfrom one side of a connector over a matable other side of the connectormaking mechanical disconnect very difficult without re-raising the hood.For example, typically the retainer attaches to the cable, in particularto a connector of a sensor.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

When the connection is subject to a threshold amount of stress, theretainer may become damaged. For example, a patient may jerk on thesensor accidentally, damaging the retainer. In other cases, hospitalpersonnel may attempt to move the patient and leave the sensorconnected, causing stress on the connection. In such cases, a user mayreplace the entire patient cable because of the damaged retainer.Accordingly a need exists to reduce costs associated with replacingcable. A connector assembly according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure is advantageously configured to allow a sensor connector tostraightforwardly and efficiently join with and detach from a patientcable connector.

Further, embodiments of the connector assembly advantageously reduceun-shielded areas in an electrical connection between the sensor and themonitor. In addition, embodiments of the connector assemblyadvantageously increase the shielding of detector signals coming fromthe patient sensor to the monitor.

If a retainer is attached to a patient cable connector, a user maydecide to replace the entire patient cable in the event of damage to theretainer. In many cases, patient cables are more expensive and generallyless convenient to replace than patient sensors, which are oftendisposable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a general block diagram of a connector assembly utilized by apatient monitoring system;

FIGS. 2A-D are perspective, top, side retainer hinged-open and sideretainer hinged-closed views, respectively, of a connector assemblyutilizing a hinged retainer latch mechanism;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a connector assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a connector assembly of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 6A-F are perspective, side, top, bottom, front and back views of amale sensor connector, respectively, of the connector assembly of FIG.3;

FIGS. 7A-F are perspective, side, top, bottom, front and back views of ashell of the male sensor connector of FIG. 6, respectively;

FIGS. 8A-F are top and bottom perspective, bottom, top, front and sideviews of a male sensor connector latching member, respectively,according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 9A-C are front perspective, back perspective and top views of amale sensor connector plug, respectively, according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIGS. 10A-E are perspective exploded, bottom perspective, side, top andbottom views, respectively, of the connector end of a flex circuit,according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 11A-E are perspective, left side, right side, top and bottomviews, respectively, of the sensor end of a flex circuit, according toan embodiment of the detector;

FIGS. 12A-F are perspective, side, top, bottom, front and back views ofa female patient cable connector, respectively, of the connectorassembly of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 13A-E are front and back perspective, top, back and side views ofa socket of the female patient cable connector of FIG. 12, respectively;

FIGS. 14A-B are front and back perspective exploded views, respectively,of a female patient cable connector, according to an embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIGS. 15A-C are front perspective, back perspective and side views of ashielding shell, respectively, according to an embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIGS. 16A-D are top cross-sectional, side, front and back views of astrain relief, respectively, according to an embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIGS. 17A-F are perspective, side, top, bottom, front and back views ofa male sensor connector, respectively, of the connector assemblyaccording to another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 18A-F are perspective, side, top, bottom, front and back views ofa shell of the male sensor connector of FIG. 17, respectively;

FIGS. 19A-F are top and bottom perspective, bottom, top, front and sideviews of a male sensor connector latching member, respectively,according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 20A-C are front perspective, back perspective and top views of amale sensor connector plug, respectively, according to anotherembodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 21A-E are perspective exploded, bottom perspective, side, top andbottom views, respectively, of the connector end of a flex circuit,according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 22A-D are top cross-sectional, side, front and back views of astrain relief, respectively, according to another embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIGS. 23A-B are front and bottom perspective views a male sensorconnector, respectively, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 23C-D are side retainer hinged-open and side retainerhinged-closed views of a connector assembly, respectively, according toan embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 24A-C are bottom, perspective, and bottom perspective views of asensor connector retainer according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 25A-D are top, side, front and back views of a strain relief,respectively, according to another embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIGS. 26A-B are perspective and bottom perspective views of a shell of amale sensor connector according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 generally illustrates a connector assembly 100 as part of apatient monitoring system. The connector assembly 100 allows a sensor130 to communicate with a monitor 160 via a patient cable 140 includingwires and/or conductors that interconnect a patient cable connector 120and a monitor connector 150. The connector assembly 100 includes asensor connector 110 and the patient cable connector 120 and,advantageously, allows for relatively straightforward and efficientconnection and separation of a sensor 130 from a patient cable 140. Forexample, the sensor 130 and patient cable 140 can be separatedrelatively straightforwardly and efficiently by a user, such as, forexample, by single-handed separation. In various embodiments, thepatient cable connector accepts different types of sensors and sensorconfigurations. For example, in one embodiment, the patient cableconnector 120 accepts a wide variety of standard SpO₂ sensors. Inanother embodiment, the patient cable connector 120 accepts a multiplewavelength sensor, such as, for example, a 3, 8, 16 or more or othernumbered wavelength sensor. In another embodiment, for example, thepatient cable connector 120 accepts both a standard SpO₂ connector and amultiple wavelength sensor.

FIGS. 2A-D generally illustrate a connector assembly 200. A sensorconnector 220 is connected to a patient cable connector 230. A retainer240 is rotatable about an axis 260 and is movable between a closedposition (FIGS. 2A-B and FIG. 2D) and an open position (FIG. 2C). In theopen position, the retainer 240 allows for the sensor connector 220 tobe inserted into or removed from the patient cable connector 230. In theclosed position, the retainer 240 mechanically impedes the sensorconnector 220 from inadvertently disconnecting. Generally, the processof joining the connectors consists of attaching the connectors andclosing the retainer to secure or substantially secure the connectionand reduce accidental disconnects. In some assemblies, the retainer 240snaps into a locked position. The process of separating the connectorsconsists of hinging the retainer 240 open and disengaging the connectors220, 230. Generally, this process employs two hands.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate one embodiment of a connector assembly 100 having amultiple wavelength sensor 130. In the illustrated embodiment, thesensor 130 connects to the patient cable 140 via a 15-pin sensorconnector 110 designed to mate with a 15-socket patient cable connector120. In various embodiments, the sensor connector 110 may have all ofthe pins electrically active, and, in other embodiments, only a subsetof the pins may be active and used to communicate sensor signals. Forexample, in one embodiment only 9 pins are active. In other embodiments,the sensor connector may be a standard SpO₂ sensor, having, for example,a 9-pin mini-D connector, which is well known in the art. The latchingmember 800 disposed on the sensor connector 110 includes a latchprotuberance 830 configured to engage a latch pocket 1310 disposed onthe patient cable connector 120 so as to releasably hold the sensorconnector 110 and patient cable connector 120 together. Advantageously,the sensor connector 110 and patient cable connector 120 arestraightforwardly and efficiently connected by pressing them togetheruntil the latch protuberance 830 clicks into the latch pocket 1310.Advantageously, the sensor connector 110 and patient cable connector 120are straightforwardly and efficiently separated by pulling them apartwhile pressing downward on the lever portion 810 of the latching member800 with a thumb or finger, thereby disengaging the latch protuberance830 from the latch pocket 1310. In one embodiment, the monitor connector150 comprises a 20-pin DB connector. Physical aspects of the sensor sideof the connector assembly are described generally with respect to FIGS.6A-F and with greater detail with respect to FIGS. 7-11. Physicalaspects of the patient cable side of the connector assembly aredescribed generally with respect to FIGS. 12A-F and with greater detailwith respect to FIGS. 13-16. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize from the disclosure herein that a variety of pin numbers,mechanical mating shapes and the like are possible in variousconfigurations.

FIGS. 6A-F illustrate one embodiment of a male sensor connector 110having a front 601, back 602, top 603 and bottom 604. The back 602terminates a sleeve 620 encasing a flex circuit 1000. In one embodiment,the sleeve is a two-part structure having a top 621 and a bottom 622which interlock to create a channel which encloses the flex circuit1000. In one embodiment, the sleeve is comprised of silicone. The flexcircuit 1000 communicates signals between the sensor 130 and connectorplug 900. A latching member 800 is disposed on the top 603 while beinghingably mounted on each side thereof. The sensor connector 110 isconfigured to mate with a patient cable connector 120 by inserting thepatient cable connector along alignment path 610. FIGS. 17A-F, describedbelow, illustrate another embodiment of a male sensor connector.

FIGS. 7A-F illustrate one embodiment of a sensor connector shell 700having a front 701, back 702, top 703, bottom 704, left side 705 andright side 706. The shell begins to taper from front 701 to back 702 ata point approximately midway between the front 701 and the back 702. Thefront 701 has a mating passageway 750 configured to accommodate apatient cable connector socket 1300. Proximate the front 701 is a matingledge 730 configured to accommodate a recess 1222 located on the patientcable connector shell 1220. Housed within the sensor connector shell 700is a positioning tab 780 which abuts the flex circuit pin plate 1040.Disposed on the upper right side 706 and left side 705 are aperturerecesses 720 and apertures 721 configured to secure a latching member800 by accommodating aperture pegs 860. The back 702 has a passageway760 configured to accommodate the sleeve 620. Aperture peg 770 isproximate the back 702, extends vertically from bottom 704 to top 703,and is designed to engage the peg aperture 1050, securing the flexcircuit 1000. In one embodiment, the sensor connector shell 700 iscomprised of a PC-ABS blend. FIGS. 18A-F, described below, illustrateanother embodiment of a male sensor connector shell.

FIGS. 8A-F illustrate one embodiment of a latching member 800 having afront 801, back 802, top 803 and bottom 804. The front 801 is generallyrounded and has a latch portion 820 having a latch protuberance 830located on bottom 804. In the illustrated embodiment, the latchprotuberance 830 is a prism having right triangular bases and slopesdownward from front 801 to back 802 of the latching member 800, so as toadvantageously gradually engage and snap into the latch pocket 1310. Theend of the latch protuberance 830 toward the back 802 of the latchingmember 800 is a flat surface configured to abut the flat edge of thelatch pocket 1310 when snapped in. In various other embodiments, thelatch protuberance 830 and latch pocket 1310 could be shapeddifferently. For example, in one embodiment, the latch protuberance 830could be hemispherical in shape and the latch pocket 1310 shapedgenerally as a hemispherical depression to accommodate the latchprotuberance 830. The back has lever portion 810 beginning at a pointapproximately ¾ of the way from front 801 to back 802, bending generallyupward. Advantageously, the lever portion 810 and latching portion 820are rigidly connected such that pressing downward with a finger or thumbon lever portion 810 raises the latching portion 820 and latchprotuberance 830 so as to disengage the latch protuberance 830 from thelatch pocket 1310. As such, the latching member 800 advantageouslyreleasably holds the sensor connector 110 and patient cable connector120 together, reducing accidental disconnects and providing forrelatively straightforward and efficient connection and release. Incertain embodiments, the latch protuberance 830 also disengages from thelatch pocket 1310 and allows for disconnection without depressing thelever portion 810 of the latching member 800 when a certain thresholdtension amount occurs on the connection between the latch protuberance830 and the latch pocket 1310. This may be advantageous in certaincases, for example, if a sensor is accidentally jerked by a patient. Insuch a case, this tension release mechanism might reduce the chances ofa monitor unit or other piece of equipment from being pulled onto thefloor. In certain embodiments this tension release mechanismadvantageously reduces the likelihood of potential accidents includingdamage to sensitive equipment and injuries to personnel. Attachment arms840 are attached to either side of the latching member 800, areproximate the midway point from front 801 to back 802, and extendnormally from the latching member 800. Attachment arms 840 further curvedownward at the ends to accommodate a sensor connector shell 700 andterminate in aperture peg tabs 850. Aperture pegs 860 are attached toand extend inwardly from the aperture peg tabs 850 and accommodate theapertures 721 to secure the latching member 800 to the sensor connectorshell 700. In one embodiment, the latching member 800 is comprised of aPC-ABS blend. FIGS. 19A-F, described below, illustrate anotherembodiment of a latching member.

FIGS. 9A-C illustrate one embodiment of a connector plug 900 having afront 901, back 902, top 903 and bottom 904. The connector plug 900 isdisposed within and proximate the front 701 of the sensor connectorshell 702. Socket pins 910 are arranged in rows and extend from frontplate 920 through the pin apertures 950. The socket pins 910 are furtherdesigned to mate with the socket apertures 1331 disposed on theconnector socket 1300. Additionally, the socket pins 910 are designed toextend through the pin apertures 1042 on the pin plate 1040 of the flexcircuit 1000. The socket pins 910 include two detector pins 911 andthirteen drive pins 912, although many different configurations would bereadily identifiable by a skilled artisan from the disclosure herein.Advantageously, shielding layers 940 wrap around back section 930 toprovide enhanced signal noise protection. In one embodiment, theconnector plug 900 is comprised of a PC-ABS blend, the shielding layers940 are comprised of copper, and the socket pins 910 are comprised of abrass, bronze or copper base with gold plating. FIGS. 20A-C, describedbelow, illustrate another embodiment of a sensor connector plug.

FIG. 10A-E illustrate one embodiment of the connector end of a flexcircuit 1000 having a top 1001, bottom 1002, and front 1003. Arectangular pin plate 1040 is disposed at the front 1003 of the flexcircuit 1000, having pin apertures 1042 arranged in rows and designed toaccept socket pins 910. Flap 1041 is located on the detector pin side ofpin plate 1040, on the face distal to connector plug 900. The flap 1041is connected to the bottom of pin plate 1040 and folds over the pinplate 1040, leaving a small gap between the pin plate 1040 and the flap1041. The flap is configured to contact at least the detector pins 911and, advantageously, provides additional pin shielding and more robustconnection between the flex circuit 1000 and the detector pins 911. Abend plate 1020 slopes downward from the top of the pin plate 1040 tothe flex circuit length 1010. The circuit length 1010 extends to thesensor side of the flex circuit 1000 and communicates signals betweenthe connector and sensor sides of the flex circuit 1000. In variousembodiments, the flex circuit signals are shielded by ink layers orother shielding mechanisms. A peg aperture 1050 is on the circuitlength, proximal the bend plate 1020 and is configured to accommodatethe aperture peg 770, securing the flex circuit to the sleeve 620. Inone embodiment, the flex circuit 1000 is comprised of alternating layersof Polyimide, rolled annealed copper, and silver impregnatedthermoplastic ink which shields the signals. In various embodiments, theconfiguration of the layers and the materials used may differ. At leastone memory unit 1030 is soldered to the bottom 1002 of flex circuit 1000on bend plate 1020. In one embodiment, for example, the at least onememory unit 1030 is a 20K EEPROM well known to those of skill in the artand capable of performing various diagnostic and control functions. Oneof skill in the art will recognize from the disclosure herein that avariety of memory devices, controllers, microprocessors, gating or logicstructures and the like may be used in various configurations.Advantageously, for example, the at least one memory unit 1030 isconfigured to assist in the determination of whether the sensor 130 isconnected to compliant devices, such as patient cable connectors 120,patient cables 140 and monitors 160, thereby ensuring that the sensor130 is also a compliant device. FIGS. 21A-E, described below, illustrateanother embodiment of the connector end of a flex circuit.

Referring again to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the drive pins 912 includeeight emitter pins 913, two memory unit pins 914 connected to the memoryunit 1030, a thermistor pin 915 connected to a thermistor and twoshielding pins 916 connected to one or more of the various shieldingcomponents of the connector assembly. For example, the shielding pins916 may connect to the shielding layers 940 or to the shielding shell1500 discussed below with respect to FIG. 15.

The drive pins 912 of certain embodiments are separated from eachadjacent drive pin by from about 0.09 inches to about 0.110 inchesmeasured from the center of each pin. The detector pins 911 of certainembodiments are separated from the drive pins 912 by a greater distancethan the drive pins 912 are separated from each other. For example, thedetector pins 911 can be separated from adjacent drive pins 912 by fromabout 0.110 to about 0.130 inches measured from the center of each pin.The detector pins 911 can also be separated from each other by fromabout 0.110 to about 0.130 inches. For example, in one embodiment, theupper detector pin 911 is separated from the adjacent upper shieldingpin 916 by about 0.130 inches and is separated from the lower detectorpin by about 0.130 inches, while the lower detector pin 911 is separatedfrom the adjacent lower shielding pin 916 by about 0.115 inches, whilenot necessary to all embodiments, having increased separation relativeto the detector pins can advantageously help reduce noise in therelatively sensitive detector signals in certain embodiments.

As would be apparent to a skilled artisan from the disclosure herein,the drive pins 912 may be configured differently. For example, there maybe a different number of emitter pins 913 (e.g., two), there may unusedpins, or some of the drive pins 912 may be connected to other componentsin various configurations. In one alternative configuration, eachdetector pin 911 and/or drive pin 912 is separated from adjacent pins byfrom about 0.110 to about 0.115 inches.

FIGS. 11A-E illustrate one embodiment of the sensor end of flex circuit1000 having a back 1101, top 1102, bottom 1103 and front 1104. The flexcircuit terminates a first solder plate 1120 which is generallyrectangular and connected to and is slightly wider than a firstconnection arm 1110. The first connection arm 1110 bends along itslength in order to accommodate a second solder plate 1140. The secondsolder plate 1140 terminates a second connection arm 1130. In oneembodiment, the first solder plate 1120 has three solder pads 1121arranged in a triangular fashion and the second solder plate 1140 hasten smaller solder pads 1141 arranged in rows. It is well known in theart to include conductors and conductor paths on one or more sides ofthe flex circuit 1000. In various embodiments, the shape of the flexcircuit 1000 may vary. For instance, in some embodiments, the flexcircuit 1000 may vary in length, may not include a bend along thecircuit length 1010, and the bend characteristics may vary.

FIGS. 12A-F illustrate one embodiment of a patient cable connector 120having a front 1201, back 1202, top 1203 and bottom 1204. A connectorsocket 1300 protrudes from the front 1201 and is configured to acceptconnector plug 900 along alignment path 1210. The connector socket 1300is described in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 13A-E. A connectorshell 1220 has a semi-circular latching member recess 1221 configured toaccommodate and secure the latching portion 820 of latching member 800.Additionally, the front 1201 face of shell 1220 has a recess 1222 whichis configured to accommodate and secure the mating ledge 730 of thesensor connector shell 700. Raised grip striping 1223 is disposed on thetop 1203 of the shell 1220 and reduce slipping of fingers whenconnecting and disconnecting the patient cable connector 120 and sensorconnector 110. The shell 1220 terminates a cable opening 1224 which isconfigured to accept a strain relief 1600 and the patient cable 140. Insome embodiments, a protruding feature is disposed on the back 1202 ofconnector shell 1220 over which a strain relief may be molded instead ofbeing inserted into cable opening 1224. In various embodiments, theprotruding feature may vary in flexibility. In one embodiment, theconnector shell 1220 is comprised of a relatively hard polyvinylcholoride (PVC) material. In other embodiments, the connector shell maycomprise a material similar to PVC or some other appropriate material.

FIGS. 13A-E illustrate one embodiment of a connector socket 1300 havinga front 1301, back 1302, top 1303 and bottom 1304. The back portion 1340of connector socket 1300 has a latch pocket plate 1320 having a latchpocket 1310. The latch pocket plate is disposed on top 1303 of the backportion 1340 of connector socket 1300. The latch pocket 1310 isgenerally a recessed pocket advantageously shaped and configured toreleasably engage and retain latch protuberance 830 as described withrespect to FIGS. 3-5 and FIGS. 8A-F above. In the illustratedembodiment, the latch pocket 1310 has a flat surface proximal the front1301 of the socket 1300 so as to catch the flat edge of latchprotuberance 830. The latch pocket 1310 is generally rectangular withrounded corners on the edge toward the back 1302 of the socket 1300 soas to accept the latch protuberance 830 snugly. As described above, thelatch pocket 1310 may, in other embodiments, be shaped differently toaccommodate various latch protuberance 830 shapes. For example, incertain embodiments, the latch pocket 1310 may be a hemisphericaldepression to accommodate a hemispherical latch protuberance 830. Abracing lip 1321 extends from latch pocket plate 1320 over the frontportion 1330 of the connector socket 1300 and is configured toaccommodate and secure the connector shell 1220 and the mating ledge 730of sensor connector shell 700. The front portion 1330 has socketapertures 1331 arranged in rows configured to accept socket pins 910.Among the socket apertures 1331, in one embodiment, for example, are twodetector socket apertures 1332 and thirteen drive socket apertures 1333configured to accept detector pins 911 and drive pins 912 respectively.The socket apertures 1331 extend through the socket 1300 from front 1301to back 1302. The detector socket apertures 1332 have a larger diameterin the back 1302 than the drive socket apertures 1333 to accommodate thedetector socket shielding sleeves 1420. In one embodiment, the connectorsocket 1300 is comprised of a glass filled nylon or an equivalentmaterial. In some embodiments, the glass filled nylon is appropriatebecause it is able to withstand repeated insertion and removal of thesensor connector 110.

Emitter drive signals in a pulse oximetry system are relatively coarseand require relatively less noise protection to effectively drive thelight emitters. In contrast, the detector signals must be transmittedfrom the sensor to the monitor with more precision and requirerelatively more noise protection to allow for accurate measurement ofthe sensor parameters. As such, enhanced shielding of the detectorsignals in the connection between the sensor and patient cable isdesirable. FIGS. 14A-B illustrate one embodiment of socket shrouds 1410encased by a shielding shell 1500 which is over-molded by the connectorshell 1220. In this embodiment, the connector shell 1220 has aprotruding member 1430 over which a strain relief may be overmolded. Thesocket shrouds 1410 are generally tubular and are configured accept andsecure socket pins 910. The front portions of the socket shrouds 1410extend through the socket apertures 1331. The back portions of thesocket shrouds 1410 protrude from socket apertures 1331 are encased bythe shielding shell 1500, which advantageously provides enhanced signalnoise protection. Advantageously, the detector sockets 1411 areindividually shielded by detector socket shielding sleeves 1420. Thisconfiguration provides for extra signal protection on the relativelysensitive detector signals. In various embodiments, the socket shrouds1410 are comprised of various metals including brass, copper, bronze,copper or nickel. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the shrouds areplated in gold or another suitable material. In one embodiment, theshielding shell 1500 and detector socket shielding sleeves 1420 are madeof copper and an inner plastic core. In some embodiments, the innerplastic core is comprised of Delrin or an equivalent material.

FIGS. 15A-C illustrate one embodiment of a shielding shell 1500 having afront 1501, back 1502, top 1503 and bottom 1504. The shielding shell1500 is generally rectangular and hollow, having a socket housingopening 1510 at the front 1501. The back 1502 is generally closed exceptfor a cable opening 1520 which is configured to accept the strain relief1600 and the patient cable 140.

FIGS. 16A-E illustrate one embodiment of a strain relief 1600 thatprotects the patient cable 140 from bending forces and the cable wiresand corresponding solder joints from pulling forces. The strain relief1600 is a generally tapered cylinder having a front 1611, a back 1612, ahead 1610, a tail 1620, and an axial cavity 1630 extending the length ofthe strain relief 1600. In one embodiment, the strain relief 1600 isover-molded on the patient cable 140 so that the patient cable 140 isretained within the axial cavity 1630 so formed. The head 1610 isdisposed within the connector shell 1220, inserted through cable opening1224, with the tail 1620 extending distal the shell 1220. The head 1610consists of a cylinder which is narrower than the rest of the strainrelief 1600 body and is configured to mate with the connector shellcable opening 1224 and the shielding shell cable opening 1520. The head1610 terminates a securing plate which is encased within the shieldingshell 1500 and secures the strain relief 1600 to the shielding shell1500. In one embodiment, the strain relief 1600 is comprised of a lowdurometer PVC material. In other embodiments, the strain relief 1600 maycomprise a material similar to PVC or some other appropriate material.In one embodiment, the strain relief 1600 and connector shell 1220 areover-molded at the same time so that the bend relief front 1611 fuses tothe back of connector shell 1220. FIGS. 22A-D, described below,illustrate another embodiment of a strain relief.

FIGS. 17A-F illustrate another embodiment of a male sensor connector1700. The sensor connector 1700 is generally similar in structure andfunction to the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 6A-F, including a sleeve1701 encasing a flex circuit, a latching member 1702, and a connectorplug 1703.

FIGS. 18A-F illustrate another embodiment of a sensor connector shell1800 having a front 1801, back 1802, top 1803, bottom 1804, left side1805 and right side 1806. The shell 1800 is generally similar instructure and function to the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 7A-F,including a mating passageway 1807, a mating ledge 1808, a positioningtab 1809, aperture recesses 1810, and apertures 1811, a back passageway1813, and an aperture peg 1814. This embodiment also includes a latchmember recess 1812 disposed on top 1803 and is configured to accommodatea latching member. The latch member recess 1812 generally extends acrossthe entire top 1803 front 1801 portion of connector shell 1800 andextends towards the back 1802 in the middle portion of sensor connectorshell 1800. In the illustrated embodiment, the latching member recess1812 extends down the upper right side 1805 and left side 1806 andterminates at aperture recesses 1810. In the illustrated embodiment,aperture recesses 1810 are generally circular so as to strongly securethe latching member disposed on a patient cable connector. In thisembodiment, the latch member recess 1812 is configured to allow thelatching member to rock down into latch member recess 1812. As such, thelatch member recess 1812 enhances the levering mechanism.

FIGS. 19A-F illustrate another embodiment of a latching member 1900having a front 1901, back 1902, top 1903 and bottom 1904. The latchingmember 1900 is generally similar in structure and function to theembodiment illustrated by FIGS. 8A-F, including a latch portion 1905, alever portion 1906, a latch protuberance 1907, attachment arms 1908,aperture peg tabs 1909, and aperture pegs 1911. This embodiment alsoincludes a rib 1910 disposed on the bottom 1904 of latching member 1900so as to provide a pivot surface with the connector shell. Moreover, inthe illustrated embodiment, the aperture peg tabs 1909 are generallycircular to fit the circular aperture recesses described with respect toFIGS. 18A-F above and strongly secure the latching member 1900 to theconnector shell. In this embodiment, the rib 1910 and the aperture pegtabs 1909 are configured to allow for efficient pivoting of the latchingmember 1900, enhancing the levering mechanism.

FIGS. 20A-C illustrate another embodiment of a connector plug 2000having a front 2001, back 2002, top 2003 and bottom 2004. The shell 2000is generally similar in structure and function to the embodimentillustrated by FIGS. 9A-C, including socket pins 2005 comprising twodetector pins 2006 and thirteen drive pins 2007, and pin apertures 2009.In the illustrated embodiment, the body of connector plug 2000 iscomprised of a printed wiring board. Moreover, the front 2001 and back2002 faces of the connector plug 2000 are covered with copper groundplanes which act as a shielding mechanism. Also in the illustratedembodiment, a solder-mask is placed over both copper planes and a solderring 2011 is placed around each pin aperture 2009 to connect the socketpins 2005. In the illustrated embodiment, the solder rings are isolatedfrom the copper ground planes by a gap in the copper layer and one pinis electrically connected to the copper ground planes to complete theshield.

FIGS. 21A-E illustrate another embodiment of the connector end of a flexcircuit 2100 having a top 2101, bottom 2102 and front 2103. The flexcircuit 2100 is generally similar in structure and function to theembodiment illustrated by FIGS. 10A-E, and includes a pin plate 2104,pin apertures 2105, a first flap 2106, a bend plate 2107, and a pegaperture 2108. The illustrated embodiment also includes a second flap2109 connected to the bottom of the pin plate 2104 and extending towardscircuit length 2110. The second flap 2109 is configured to accommodateat least one memory unit which may, in some embodiments, be soldered tosecond flap 2109. The at least one memory unit is described above withrespect to FIGS. 10A-E above.

FIGS. 22A-D illustrate another embodiment of a strain relief 2200. Thestrain relief 2200 is generally similar in structure and function to theembodiment illustrated by FIGS. 16A-D, having a front 2201, a back 2202,a head 2203, a tail 2204, and an axial cavity 2205. In the illustratedembodiment, the strain relief head 2203 is overmolded onto a protrudingfeature disposed on an embodiment of a patient cable connector shellinstead of being inserted into the back of the connector shell. In oneembodiment, the strain relief 1600 is comprised of a low durometer PVCmaterial. In other embodiments, the strain relief 1600 may comprise amaterial similar to PVC or some other appropriate material.

Advantageously, various shielding mechanisms including, for example, insome embodiments, the shielding shell 1500, the detector socketshielding sleeves 1420, the shielding layers 940, and the flap 1041 areconfigured to reduce the un-shielded area in an electrical connectionbetween the sensor 130 and patient cable 140. In some embodiments, forexample, the emitter and detector signals within the connector assembly100 are shielded by various components as the signals are communicatedfrom the sensor 130 to the patient cable 140 through the connectorassembly 100. In some embodiments, for example, the various shieldingcomponents include the shielded flex circuit 1000, the flap 1041,shielding layers 940, the shielding shell 1500, and the shielded patientcable 140, thereby reducing the unshielded areas in the connectionbetween the sensor and the monitor. Advantageously, in some embodiments,the detector signals are further shielded by detector socket shieldingsleeves 1420, further reducing unshielded areas in detector signal path.For example, in certain embodiments, the detector signal path issubstantially electrically shielded through substantially the entireconnector assembly. In some embodiments, the emitter signals are alsoshielded by additional socket shielding sleeves 1420. In otherembodiments, the flap 1041 covers the emitter pins 913 and/or otherdrive pins 912 as well as the detector pins 911.

FIGS. 23A-B illustrate one embodiment of a male sensor connector 2300having a front 2304, back 2305, top 2306 and bottom 2307. A retainer2301 rotates about an axis 2308 and moves between an open position(FIGS. 23A-C) and a closed position (FIG. 23D). In the open position,the retainer 2301 allows for the sensor connector 2301 to be insertedinto or removed from a patient cable connector such as one of thepatient cable connectors described above. In the closed position, theretainer 240 mechanically impedes the sensor connector 220 frominadvertently disconnecting. Generally, the process of joining theconnectors includes mechanically mating the connectors and hinging theretainer 2301 over mechanically mating structures of a patient cable tosecure the connection and reduce accidental disconnects. The process ofseparating the connectors includes opening the retainer 2301 and pullingapart the sensor connector 2300 from the patient cable connector.

As a result of repeated wear and tear, or by other means, the retainer2301 may become damaged. For example, if a certain threshold tensionamount is placed on the connection between the sensor connector 2300 andthe patient cable connector, the retainer 2301 may become damaged. Theretainer 2301 may break off of the sensor connector shell 2303 if, forexample, a sensor is accidentally jerked by a patient. In other cases,the connector may be dropped or smashed, damaging the retainer 2301.

If the retainer 2301 does become damaged, the portion of the system thatthe retainer 2301 is attached to can straightforwardly be replaced byhospital personnel or other users. In the illustrated embodiment, theretainer 2301 is advantageously disposed on the sensor connector 2300rather than on a patient cable connector. In this configuration, in theevent that the retainer 2301 becomes damaged, the sensor connector 2300and attached sensor, and not the patient cable, may be replaced. Thesensor may be a single use or disposable, both of which have shorterlongevities than cable.

In certain embodiments, the retainer 2301 may allow the sensor connector2300 to disengage from the patient cable connector without raising theretainer 2301 when a certain threshold tension amount is placed on theconnection between the two sides of the connector assembly. For example,the retainer 2301 may be made of a material having a certain thresholdflexibility such that the shape of the retainer gives way under athreshold tension, thereby releasing the opposing connector from theretainer 2300. This may be advantageous in certain cases, for example,if a sensor is accidentally jerked by a patient. In such a case, thistension release mechanism might reduce the chances of a monitor unit orother piece of equipment from being pulled onto the floor. In certainembodiments this tension release mechanism advantageously reduces thelikelihood of potential accidents including damage to sensitiveequipment and injuries to personnel.

In one embodiment, the back 2305 terminates a stress relief 2302. In anembodiment, the back 2305 terminates a flex-circuit instead of or inaddition to the strain relief 2303. The sensor connector 2300 includes ashell 2303 and a retainer 2301, hingably attached to the top 2306, backof the shell 2303. In other embodiments, the retainer 2301 may bedisposed on another portion of the shell 2303. For example, the retainer2301 may be attached to a different side of the shell 2303, such as, forexample, the bottom 2307. The retainer 2301 includes a latching member2311 disposed on the underside of the retainer 2301. The latching member2311 disposed on the retainer 2301 includes a latch protuberance 2312configured to engage a latch pocket disposed on the patient cableconnector so as to releasably hold the sensor connector 2300 and apatient cable connector together. The sensor connector 2300, forexample, may be connected to the patient cable connector 120 describedabove and the latch protuberance may engage a latch pocket such as latchpocket 1310.

FIGS. 24A-B illustrate one embodiment of a retainer 2400 having a front2414, back 2411, top 2407 and bottom 2417. The retainer 2300 isgenerally shaped as a molded shell which, when closed, may generallypartially secure the mechanical mating of and/or electrical connectionto another matable connector, thereby preventing disconnection. In oneembodiment, the front 2417 of the retainer 2400 has a generally roundedcut-out section 2408. The cut-out section 2408 may be shaped toaccommodate the other matable connector when the retainer 2400 is in aclosed position. For example, the cut-out may be shaped so as toaccommodate the patient cable and/or and the shape of the back portionof a matable patient cable connector. The back 2411 of the retainer 2400has generally opposing tabs 2401, 2404, including pegs 2402, 2403 whichallow the retainer 2400 to be mounted to a connector shell, such as, forexample, connector shell 2303. The pegs 2402, 2403 mechanically mate incorresponding holes on a mounting portion of the connector shell. Oncemated to the connector shell, the retainer 2400 is generally hingerotatable about an axis generally coaxial with the pegs 2402, 2403. Inother embodiments, the retainer 2400 may be connected to the connectorshell in other manners as known in the art. For example, in anotherembodiment, the retainer 2400 may be connected to the retainer shell bya pin about which the retainer 2400 is rotatable. The retainer may besecured into place when in the closed position. For example, pegs 2405,2406 snap into corresponding depressions in the connector shell,providing a snap-type fit. In other embodiments, the pegs may be locatedfurther towards the front 2408 of the shell and mate with correspondingdepressions in the shell of the opposing connector shell, such as, forexample, the shell of a patient cable connector. In other embodimentsthere may advantageously be more or less snapping features, otherfriction fit devices, or combinations or the like. For example, in oneembodiment there are four pegs, two of which snap into correspondingfeatures on the connector to which the retainer hingably attached andtwo of which snap into features on the opposing connector. In otherembodiments, the securing mechanism may not be a peg and socket typesnapping mechanism but may be some other mechanism, such as, forexample, a friction type mechanism.

The retainer 2400 further includes a latching member 2407 located on theunderside (bottom) 2417 of the retainer 2400 including a latchprotuberance 2406. The front of the latching member 2407 comprises arounded shape to generally accommodate a corresponding area including alatch pocket on a matable connector such as patient cable connector 120.In the illustrated embodiment, the latch protuberance 2406 comprises aprism having right triangular bases and slopes downward from back 2411to front 2414, so as to advantageously engage and fit into the latchpocket on the opposing connector. The end of the latch protuberance 2406toward the back 2411 of the latching member 2407 comprises a flatsurface configured to abut the flat edge of the latch pocket of theopposing connector when snapped. In various other embodiments, the latchprotuberance 2406 could be shaped differently. For example, in oneembodiment, the latch protuberance 830 advantageously includes ahemispherical shape to accommodate, for example, a hemispherical latchpocket. In certain embodiments, the latch protuberance 2406 alsodisengages from the latch pocket 1310 and allows for disconnectionwithout raising the retainer 2400 to an open position when a certainthreshold tension amount is placed on the connection between the latchprotuberance 2406 and the latch pocket of the matable connector. Asdiscussed above, tension release mechanisms may be advantageous, forexample, if a sensor is accidentally jerked by a patient. In such acase, this tension release mechanism reduces the chances of a monitorunit or other piece of equipment from being pulled onto the floor. Incertain embodiments this tension release mechanism advantageouslyreduces a likelihood of potential accidents including damage tosensitive equipment and injuries to personnel. In one embodiment, theretainer 2400 is comprised of a PC-ABS blend.

The retainer 2400 comprises portions 2409, 2410 disposed on either sideof the front 2414, top 2405 of the retainer 2400. The portions 2409,2410 may be generally shaped so as to provide a surface to support theuser's fingers lifting the retainer 2400. In other embodiments, theremay be only one portion or more than two portions and the portions 2409,2410 may be disposed on different parts of the retainer 2400. Moreover,the portions may comprise different shapes. For example, in someembodiments, the lifting portion or portions may provide a greateroverall surface area to accommodate a large portion of the user'sfingers.

FIGS. 25A-D illustrate an embodiment of a strain relief 2500. The strainrelief 2500, may be, in some embodiments, generally similar in structureand function to the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 16A-D and FIG.22A-D, having a front 2510, a back 2510, a head 2507, a tail 2502. Anaxial cavity extends through the strain relief 2500 and is coaxial withthe length of the tail 2502. In the illustrated embodiment, the strainrelief head 2510 includes features 2509, 2510, 2514, 2515 adapted toaccommodate corresponding features on a connector shell such as theconnector shell 2303 described above. The strain relief 2500 may also bemated with features disposed on an embodiment of a patient cableconnector shell instead of being inserted into the back of the connectorshell. In one embodiment, the strain relief 2500 may be comprised of alow durometer PVC material. In other embodiments, the strain relief 2500may comprise a material similar to PVC or some other appropriatematerial.

FIGS. 26A-B illustrate one embodiment of a connector shell 2600. Theconnector shell 2600 has a top 2604, bottom 2613, front 2601 and back2605. The connector shell 2600 may be similar in certain aspects of itsgeneral structure and function to the connector shells described abovesuch as connector shell 1800. The connector shell terminates a tailsection 2606 which is generally adapted to accommodate a sensor cable.For example, cavity 2608 may accept a sensor cable. In one embodiment,the shell comprises a shape generally adapted to accommodate a flexcircuit such as the flex circuits described above or another flexcircuit. The tail section 2606 also may include features such asfeatures 2607 which accommodate a strain relief such as the strainreliefs 1600, 2200 described above. The connector shell 2600 includes aretainer mounting section 2609 with cavity 2610 which extends from oneside of the shell 2600 to the other side. The cavity 2610 is adapted toaccommodate, for example, pegs from a retainer such as the pegs 2402,2403 of the retainer 2400 described above. In other embodiments, otherattaching mechanisms may be used. For example, in another embodiment,the cavity 2610 and mounting section 2609 may accept a pin which extendsthrough the entire mounting section and about which the retainer hinges.For example, in one embodiment, the cavity 2610 does not extend throughthe entire length of the mounting section 2609. Instead, there aredepressions on either side of the mounting section 2609 deep enough toaccept the corresponding pegs. The shell 2600 also includes depression2611 and a similar depression on the other side of the shell 2600. Asdescribed above with respect to the retainer, the depression 2611 maysecure a retainer such as retainer 2400 by mating with correspondingpegs on the hinged-closed retainer. As described above, other securingmechanisms may be used to secure the retainer.

A connector assembly has been disclosed in detail in connection withvarious embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed by way of examplesonly and are not to limit the scope of the claims that follow. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many variations andmodifications.

For example, in various embodiments a sensor 130 may measure any type ofphysiological parameter. In other embodiments, the monitor 160 end ofthe patient cable 140 might be configured to communicate with any typeof monitor 160.

In addition, the pins and/or sockets of the sensor connector 110 and/orpatient cable connector 120 of the connector assembly may be configureddifferently, allowing for compatibility with multiple types of sensors130 and patient cables 140 and corresponding types of monitors. Forexample, the patient cable 140 along with embodiments of the patientcable connector 120 may be designed to work with sensors 130 havingdifferent numbers of active pins. In such embodiments, the signalconduits on the patient cable connector 120 (e.g., the conduits goingthrough the socket shrouds) corresponding to active signals of thecorresponding sensor are electrically connected, while the remainingconduits remain electrically inactive. In such embodiments, the patientcable connector 120 can be used with sensors 130 having less activepins, for example. In one example, the patient cable 140 and patientcable connector 120 can be designed to interact with an SpO₂ sensorhaving nine active drive pins and 2 active detector pins. In anotherexample, such as for the embodiments described above (e.g., with respectto FIG. 9), the patient cable 140 and patient cable connector 120 areconfigured to operate with a sensor 130 having 13 active drive pins(e.g., an enhanced oximetry sensor for the measurement of multiplepatient parameters).

In some embodiments, a sensor 130 and sensor connector 110 may beconfigured to operate with multiple types of patient cables 140 and/orpatient cable connectors 120. For example, an enhanced oximetry sensor130 and associated sensor connector 110 may be compatible with a patientcable 140 and patient cable connector 120 configured to operate with anenhanced oximetry sensor 130 (such as those described above with respectto FIGS. 12-16) and with a patient cable 140 and patient cable connector120 configured to operate with a sensor having less active pins, such asan SpO₂ sensor 130, for example. In such an embodiment, an enhancedoximetry sensor 130 and sensor connector 110, when connected with apatient cable 140 and patient cable connector 120 configured to operatewith an enhanced oximetry sensor, may be capable of providing thefunctionality of the enhanced sensor. On the other hand, the enhancedsensor 110 may also be configured to perform the functions of an SpO₂sensor when connected with a patient cable 140 and patient cableconnector 120 configured to operate with an SpO₂ sensor. In one exampleconfiguration, the sensor 110 is an SpO₂ sensor and the sensor connector130 has nine active drive pins, four of which are electrically connectedon the connector to form two sets of two emitter pins. In such aconfiguration, a patient cable 140 and corresponding patient cableconnector 120 configured to operate with an enhanced oximetry sensor arecompatible with the SpO₂ sensor and sensor connector to provide SpO₂functionality to the monitor.

The compatibility of the connector assembly with different types ofpatient cables 140 and sensors 130 can advantageously provide generalcompatibility between components of different systems (e.g., betweenenhanced oximetry systems and SpO₂ systems). One of skill in the artwill recognize from the disclosure provided herein that otherconfigurations are possible and that the connector assembly may providecompatibility between other types of systems.

In alternative configurations, different types of electrical componentscan be used. For example, the flex circuit 1000 may be replaced by a setof insulated, bundled leads. In embodiments where a cable is used, theflex circuit shell (e.g., the flex circuit shell 1701) and/or connectorshell (e.g., the connector shell 1800) may be replaced by, for example,an overmolded part encasing at least a part of the cable and componentsof the sensor connector (e.g., the connector plug 2000 and/or associatedprinted wiring board). In some scenarios, sensors designed for singlepatient use comprise a cable and sensors designed to be reusablecomprise a flex circuit.

In some embodiments, the number of socket pins 910 and correspondingsocket apertures 1331 may vary. Additionally, in some embodiments, theconstruction materials for various components may generally vary. Forexample, in some embodiments, some of the components can be made ofdifferent types of metal including, but not limited to, copper,tungsten, nickel, and others. In other embodiments, some of thecomponents can be made of different types of plastic. In yet otherembodiments, some components described may be substituted for otherimplementations that provide the desired function. For example, in someembodiments, the flex circuit 1000 may not be used and may besubstituted for by, for example, a cable, another type of circuit orother signal communication mechanism. In other embodiments, for example,the sensor connector shell 700 and the patient cable connector shell1220 may be replaced by an overmold. In some embodiments, the overmoldis comprised of a PVC material. In other embodiments, the overmoldand/or other components of the connector assembly may comprise PVC, amaterial similar to PVC or some other appropriate material.

Further, the memory unit 1030 may vary in memory storage size in variousembodiments. In various embodiments, the memory unit 1030 may be a flashdevice, an EEPROM, an EPROM, a memory circuit, or another type of memorydevice. Moreover, the memory unit 1030 may be capable of variousfunctions. For example, in various embodiments, the memory unit 1030 maystore a sensor type, a patient type, parameter calculation data, orother information generally useful to a micro-processor. For example, insome embodiments, the memory unit 1030 may be able to store informationon upgrades to parameter calculation algorithms or initialization data.In still other embodiments, the memory unit 1030 may include controllogic or be combined with a micro-processor to provide addedfunctionality. In addition, in certain embodiments, the memory unit 1030may be located at various locations including, for example, the patientcable connector 120, the patient cable 140, the sensor 130, or along theflex circuit 1000.

In still other embodiments, the latching mechanism may be implemented indifferent ways. For example, in some embodiments the latching mechanismmay include a squeeze mechanism disposed on the side of the connectorassembly 100. In other embodiments, the latching mechanism may bedisposed on the bottom of the connector assembly 100. In yet otherembodiments, there may be latching mechanisms disposed on both the topand bottom of the connector assembly 100. In other embodiments, thelatching mechanism may be implemented by a friction mechanism ratherthan, or in addition to, a latch and pocket mechanism. For example, insome embodiments, a friction hood extending from one side of theconnector assembly 100 over a portion of the other side may be used tosecure a connection using friction instead of a latch and pocketmechanism.

In various embodiments, the various mechanical parts of the connectorassembly 100 may be generally reversed. For example, in someembodiments, the sensor connector 110 may be a female connector and thepatient cable connector 120 may be a male connector. Moreover, in someembodiments, the latching mechanism may be reversed. For example, insome embodiments the latching member 800 may be disposed on the patientcable connector 120 and the latch pocket 1310 may be disposed on thesensor connector 110.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector in a noninvasive patient monitoring system, the connector configured to communicate detector signals indicative of attenuation of light by body tissue via a shielded connection, the detector signals generated by a light sensor, the connector comprising: a connector housing; one or more detector conductors supported by the connector housing and each configured to communicate a detector signal, the one or more detector conductors each including a portion configured to be separably matable with corresponding detector conductors supported by a second connector; one or more emitter conductors supported by the connector housing and each configured to communicate an emitter signal, the one or more emitter conductors each including a portion configured to be separably matable with corresponding emitter conductors supported by the second connector; and one or more detector conductor shields supported by the connector housing, each detector conductor shield surrounding and extending along at least a portion of a length of one of the detector conductors and not configured to communicate signals of the noninvasive patient monitoring system.
 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the connector housing is configured to be separably matable with a second connector housing of the second connector.
 3. The connector of claim 1, wherein the emitter conductors are disposed outside the one or more detector conductor shields.
 4. The connector of claim 1, wherein the emitter conductors are not shielded by the one or more detector conductor shields.
 5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the portion of each detector conductor configured to be separably matable with corresponding detector conductors supported by the second connector comprises an elongate shroud configured to releasably receive a corresponding elongate pin of a corresponding detector conductor, and wherein each detector conductor shield surrounds and extends along the length of at least a portion of one of the elongate shrouds and its corresponding elongate pin.
 6. The connector of claim 1 further comprising: a latching element coupled to the connector housing and configured to engage with a second latching element coupled with a housing of the second connector, the latching element further configured to provide releasable attachment between the connector and the second connector.
 7. The connector of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more detector conductor shields comprises a cylindrical sleeve.
 8. The connector of claim 1, wherein the one or more detector conductor shields comprise metal.
 9. A connector in a noninvasive patient monitoring system, the connector configured to communicate emitter signals and detector signals indicative of attenuation of light by body tissue, the connector comprising: a plurality of emitter signal conductors, each of the emitter signal conductors configured to separably couple with a corresponding emitter signal conductor supported by a housing of a second connector; one or more detector signal conductors, each of the detector signal conductors configured to separably couple with a corresponding detector signal conductor supported by the housing of the second connector; a housing supporting the plurality of emitter signal conductors and the one or more detector signal conductors, the housing configured to separably couple with the housing of the second connector; and a latching member disposed on the housing, the latching member corresponding to a second latching member disposed on the housing of the second connector, the latching member and the second latching member configured to engage one another to removably secure the connector to the second connector, the latching member comprising: a body portion; and two arms extending laterally from the body portion and configured to attach the latching member to the housing on opposing sides of the housing, wherein the two arms flex such that the body portion of the latching member pivots to disengage from the second latching member when the latching member is mechanically actuated by a user.
 10. The connector of claim 9, wherein the body portion of the latching member is movable from a first position to a release position to disengage the latching member and the second latching member.
 11. The connector of claim 9, wherein the latching member comprises a protuberance and the second latching member comprises a pocket.
 12. The connector of claim 10, wherein the body portion of the latching member comprises a lever, the lever actuatable to move the latching member from the first position to the release position.
 13. The connector of claim 10, wherein the connector can be detached from the second connector through single-handed operation at least in part by moving the latching member from the first position to the release position.
 14. The connector of claim 9, wherein the latching member further comprises a hingable retainer.
 15. The connector of claim 9, wherein the latching member is configured to disengage from the second latching member when subject to a threshold amount of tension. 